I rise to present the Interim Budget Estimates for the year 2004-2005,
which is the last year of the period of Award of the Eleventh Finance
Commission and the third year of the Tenth Plan.

INTRODUCTION

In view of the ensuring General Election
to the House of the People, the Election Commission of India has desired
that the Annual Budget be passed or a Vote-on-Account be taken by the
State legislatures within February, 2004, and suggested that such
proposal shall not contain any new programmes or schemes. In view
thereof, I now present this Interim Budget to ensure that the minimum
foreseeable requirements of the State are adequately provided for, till
I present the regular budget for the year 2004-2005, after the aforesaid
General Election have been completed, for consideration of the Hon'ble
Members during the re-assembled Budget Session.
Although the budget actuals for the year 2002-2003 as received and
certified by the Accountant General, have been duly incorporated, the
Interim Budget Estimated for 2004-2005 have been kept at the level of
the current year's estimates. This has been done to facilitate
consideration and passing of the Vote-on-Account to defray emergent
charges from the Consolidated Fund of the State during the first quarter
of the financial year ending June 30, 2004. The Demand for grnates as
well as the proposed expenditure will understandably undergo
alternations with the presentation of a regular budget during the
Re-assembled Session of the House.
Before I present the Interim Budget Estimated for 2004-05, I propose,
Mr. Speaker, Sir to give a brief review of the National Economy and
highlight the performance of the various Departments.

NATIONAL ECONOMY

The Interim Union Budget presented to
Parliament by the Union Finance Minister on February 3, 2004 indicates
an expected 7.5 per cent growth of the national economy during the
current year.
Foreign Exchange Reserves, for the first time in the country, crossed
the US $ 100 billion mark on December 19, 2003. Economic indices reflect
a continuing growth in the export performance of the country.
During the current year, inflation has been contained at a moderate
level of 4 to 4.5 percent.
Revenue collection during the period 1998-2004 has gone up by 83 per.
The year is likely to end with a fiscal deficit of 4.8 percent and a
revenue deficit of 3.6 percent of the estimated GDP.

STATE ECONOMY

The Net State Domestic Product at current
proces which stood at Rs. 64.41 crore in 1972 rose to Rs. 3842.27 crore
during 2002-03 and is likely to reach Rs.4330.58 crore during the
current year.
The Net State Domestic Product iin terms of Per Capita Income at current
proces has increased from Rs. 538 in 1970-71 to Rs. 15,983 in 2002-03 as
against an all- India increases from Rs. 633 to Rs. 18,912 during
the same period.
The projected estimates of NSDP for the current year is Rs. 17,547 per
capita as against an all-India estimate of Rs.20,860 at current prices.
Though the estimated annual growth rate during the current year is 6.07
percent, the average per capita income is 15 percent lower than the
all-India average level.
The Gross State Domestic Product at constant prices has increased from
Rs. 2642.27 crore in 2002-03 to a likely level of Rs.2809.39 crore
registering a growth of 6.29 percent as a gainst 8.1 percent at the
national level.
The sectoral contribution of the Primary Sector to the NSDP at constant
prices has been estimated at 22.88 percent during 2002-03 and 22.91
percent during the current uyear. A similiar trend is observed in the
Secendary Sector with a contribution of 23.73 percent during 2002-03 and
23.67 percent projected for the current year. While the Tertiary Sector
continues to domibnate the economy, its ahare has fallen from 54.40
percent in 2002-03 to a likely level of 53 percent during the current
year.

STATE FINANCES

I shall now briefly dwell on the position
of State Finances commencing 2000-2001 to include the period covered
by the Award of the Eleventh Finance Commission. The State's principal
sources of Finance are Share of Central Taxes and Tariffs, Tax and
Non-Tax Revenue Receipts, Capital Receipts and Loans and Remittances.
The Total Receipts on Revenue Account increased from Rs.1132.15 crore
during 2000-2001 to a likely level of Rs. 1694.28 crore during the
current year indicating a likely increase of 49.65 percent.
Collection of Tax increased from Rs.118.62 crore during 200-2001 to a
likely of Rs. 185 crore during the current year registering a 55.96
percent likely increase over the period.
The overall growth rate of the State's own resource through Tax and
Non-Tax Revenue over the period is 47.92 percent.
The State's Share of Central Taxes increased from Rs. 164.20 crore
during 2000-01 to a likely of Rs. 213 crore during the current year
recording a likely increase of 29.72 percent.
Cumulative borrowings rose from Rs. 358.91 crore during 2000-01 to a
likely of Rs. 689.06 crore during the current year registering a likely
increase of 91.99 percent.
Consequently, the Debt Service Burden for repayment of principal and
interest rose from Rs.14.52 crore during 2000-01 to Rs. 295.66 crore
during the current year.
At the same time, the total Revenue Expenditure of the State increased
from Rs. 1079 crore during 2000-01 to a likely level of Rs.1586.12 crore
during the current year registering a likely increase of 46.93 percent.
Thus the rate of increase of Revenue Expenditure has been slightly lower
than the rate of increase of Revenue Receipts during the period, giving
rise to a decreasing revenue gap.
The year 2003-2004 is likely to end with a budgetary deficit of Rs.11.14
crore.
The level of Capital Expenditure increased from Rs. 344.40 crore during
2000-01 to a likely level of Rs. 521.97 crore during the current year
reflecting a likely increase of 51.56 percent during the period.
Capital Expenditure as a percentage of Total Expenditure marginally
increased from 24.19 percent during 2000-01 to a likely of 24.76 percent
during the current year.
The State has also resorted to measures to curb relatively
non-essentials expenditure and optimise control over its Ways and Means
position. Nevertheless, the inelastic resource position has had to
absorb an ever increasing expenditure due to inflationary pressures and
security related activities.

MEDIUM TERM FISCAL REFORMS
PROGRAMME

The State has embarked upon fiscal reforms programme.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Medium Term Fiscal Reforms Programme
(MTFRP) between the State Government and the Government of India has
been signed. The measures broadly include increased revenue generation
and expenditure compression to achieve the fiscal targets. Government
has taken certain measures to curb non plan expenditure and increase
revenue collection as enumerated in the MTFRP. This has enabled the
State to qualify for releases from the Incentive Fund.

INTERIM NON - PLAN BUDGET 2004 - 05

The Interim Non - Plan Budget Estimates for 2004 - 05
have been kept at the current year's level of Rs.1156.73 crore. The
estimates are subject at alteration at the time of submission of the
regular Budget Estimates for 2004 - 2005, as indicated earlier, during
the re-assembled session of the House.

INTERIM PLAN BUDGET 2004 - 05

This is the second year of the Tenth Plan. The
approved Tenth Plan outlay is Rs.3009 crore. The plan expenditure during
2002 - 2003 was Rs.428.58 crore. The revised Plan Outlay of the current
year is Rs.536 Crores. Although the tentative plan outlay for 2004-05 is
Rs.625 crore, the Interim Plan Budget has been retained at the current
year's level. This will be suitably modified while presenting the
regular Budget Estimates at the Annual Plan size for 2004 - 2005 is
expected to be finalised by the Planning Commission by that time.

DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMME LAW 7 ORDER

Peace and harmony are the twin essentials for growth
and development. The State has remained generally peaceful during the
year except for some isolated incidents of dacoity, extortion and
kidnapping by misguided groups of individuals. The criminal activities
of local militant organisations like the H. N. L. C. and A. N. V. C.
have been contained to some extent. Recently, thirty H. N. L. C. cadres
have surrendered before the State authorities. Government is taking all
steps to implement the rehabilitation package for the surrenderees.
Although regional militant activities by regional outfits like the KNV,
UPDS, ULFA and NDFB did pose considerable problems in the areas
adjourning the State of Assam, these have been contained to an
appreciable extent with the help and active co-operation of the
Government of Assam. Government is determined to contain such anti -
social activity for the benefit of the peace - loving people of the
State

AGRICULTURE including HORTICULTURE

The State's economy is primarily agricultural. During the
current year, the gross cropped area is 2.67 lakh hectares as against a
gross cropped area of 2.02 lakh hectares in 1973-74 representing an
increase of about 32 percent over the period.

The total foodgrain production during 2002-2003 was
2.26 lakh tonnes against a target of 2.23 lakh tonnes. The target of
2.31 lakh tonnes during the current year is expected to be achieved.

The contribution of paddy, wheat and maize to the
total foodgrain production during 2002-2003 is 2.15 lakh tones.

Likewise, horticulture produce is expected to
increase from 6.45 lakh tonnes during 2002-2003 to 7.01 lakh tonnes
during the current year registering an increase of 7.86 per cent.

In terms of expenditure under Agriculture and
Horticulture, the expenditure during 2002-2003 were Rs. 5.52 crore and
4.80 crore respectively. The revised Plan outlay during the current year
is Rs. 8.25 crore and 7.26 crore registering an increase of 49.45
percent and 33.88 percent respectively.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Jhum control, Watershed Management and
Afforestation of Degraded lands continue to be the focus of Soil and
Water Conservation Programmes in the State. The sectoral achievements
during the current year include :-

Land development, afforestation and water management covering an area
of 600 hectares, besides maintenance of 1622 hectares of existing
plantation,

Erosion Control works of 28 hectares, and 85 units of water
harvesting and farm ponding.

The total investment in this sector since the creation of the State
is Rs.116.12 crore. The revised outlay during the current year is Rs.
8.40 crore.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Schemes for generating employment among
the farmers and educated unemployed youth will continue. Special
attention has been given to Animal Health Services to protect the cattle
and livestock population. The Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Integrated
Dairy Development Project in Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills Districts
is making good progress.

About 27 percent of the meat and egg
requirement is met by supplies from outside the State. Government will
endeavour to bridge the gap through active involvement of the public in
animal husbandry activities.

The production targets of 94.8 million
eggs, 0.36 lakh tonnes of meat and 0.70 lakh tonnes of milk are expected
to be achieved during the current year.

FISHERIES

About 80 percent of the estimated
requirement of fish in the State is met by supplies from other States.
To bridge the gap, a vigorous and sustained programme for boosting
inland fish production is a paramount need. The target of fish
production at 6000 metric tonnes during the current year is expected to
be achieved. The revised outlay for the current year is Rs.1.09 crore.

COOPERATION

The Cooperative Movement in the State is
about three decades old. The main thrust of the sector during the
current year has been on enhancement of production levels, supply of
enabling inputs in service areas and scientific management of the
Cooperatives. Training of Junior Cooperative Officers and Certificate
Course for Cadre Secretaries have been conducted during the year.

The Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank has been able to maintain a high
Credit: Deposit ratio of 32 per cent as against an overall level
of 17 per cent for all Banks in the State. The Bank has a network
of forty branches spread all over the State.

FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE

Over 66 percent of the geographical area of the State is under forest
cover. The main thrust areas of this sector include-

Conservation, protection and enrichment of
natural resources to maintain bio-diversity;

Maintenance of Protected Area network.

Conservation of reared and endangered
plant species including medicinal plants;

Optimum utilisation of bamboo potential
with the active involvement of NGOs; and

Intensive afforestation in barren and
degraded lands.

Government have constituted the
Forest Development Agencies and the Joint Forest Management Committees.
These innovations are expected to provide the required thrust towards
intensive afforestation of barren and degraded areas with the active
participation of the people to achieve the ultimate objectives of
environmental stability, conservation of bio-diversity, food security
and sustainable development. The plan capital outlay under this sector
is Rs.3.53 crore.

During the current year, 1700 houses have been constructed and 1856
houses upgraded so far under IAY. Proper motivation, Training and
financial inputs have resulted in the formation of 1042 Self-Help Groups
under SGSY. 7.60 lakh mandays of rural employment have been generated
till October, 2003 under SGRY.

Community Development programmes have been responsible for general
development of the socio-economic life of the rural masses besides
fostering community spirit in the developmental process. The Community
and Rural Development Blocks of the State have been in the forefront of
micro level activities. An amount of Rs.7.00 crore has been earmarked
for this programme during the current year.

Project under the Special Rural Works Programme envisage the direct
and active involvement of the village community in the process of
development. this has resulted in the creation of valuable community
assets over the years. The projects are of a general nature and
implemented through the local Durbars or Committees.

An amount of Rs.16.35 crore has been earmarked for this programme
during the current year.

The Chief Minister's Special Rural Development Fund has been
implemented for funding schemes of vital public importance. The schemes
are identified by the Chief Minister in consultation with public
representatives. A number of important schemes have been taken up in
different parts of the State under this programme. The schemes are
implemented through the Deputy Commissioners.

BORDER AREAS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Government attaches special importance to
the welfare of the people residing in the areas bordering Bangladesh.
Interventions have been made through Border Area Development schemes to
enhance the quality of live of the people living in those areas.

During the current year, 1500 students are being covered under the
Scholarship Schemes to assist students hailing from such areas in the
pursuit of education.

While construction of roads, bridges, ropeways, market stalls, school
buildings, community halls and playgrounds have helped create the
required infrastructure in these areas, provision of fisheries,
community farms, minor irrigation, water supply and sanitation,
electricity etc have been of immense help in overall human development.

The earmarked outlay during the current year under this sector is
Rs.6.70 crore.

POWER

With the rapid pace of industrialization in the State, the Demand :
supply ratio in the power sector has recently undergone a substantial
change. In order to meet the demand of 430 Mega Watts as against an
installed capacity of 185 Mega Watts, Electricity Board proposes to take
up construction of three transmission lines which will enable drawal of
an additional 165 Mega Watts of power from the North Eastern Grid which
is surplus.

Out of which 5484 villages in the State, 3077 village have been
electrified upto December, 2003. The target under rural electrification
during the current year 2003-2004 of 418 villages will be achieved.

Work on the 2 X 42 MW Myntdu-leshka Hydel Power Project has been
taken up and an expenditure of Rs. 12 crore has been incurred till date.
The Project is expect to be commissioned within 2006-2007.

INDUSTRIES

Accelerated development of Industries as
an important alternative to generate employment continues to engage the
attention of Government. As of now, the Small Sector has generated
25,870 employment opportunities through 4565 registered industrial units
in the State.

Under the Rural Employment Generation Programme, the Khadi Village
and Industrial Board is implementing the Margin Money Scheme whereby
local entrepreneurs are supported with Margin Money to the extent of 30
per cent of the project cost. The Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts
Development Corporation extents technology- upgradation support and also
assist the artisans to market their products.

In the Large and Medium Scale Sector, the setting up of over 86
Industrial undertakings in the Industrial Area at Umiam, Byrnihat and
Khanapara has generated 6000 job opportunities based on local resources.
This sector has a Plan Outlay of Rs. 17.50 crore during the current
year.

MINOR IRRIGATION AND COMMAND AREA
DEVELOPMENT

Multiple cropping under assured available
of water is expected to raised the standard of living of the farmer
enhance the economic potential of the State.

Out of the ultimate irrigation potential of 2.18 lakh hectares, the
potential created through Minor Irrigation and Command Area Development
upto 2002-2003 is only 0.25 lakh hectares representing 11 per cent of
the ultimate potential.

The total investment in the Minor Irrigation Sector till the end of
the Ninth Plan is Rs. 91 Crore.

The Centrally Sponsored Command Area Development Programme for
optimizing productivity in the Command areas will continue to be
implemented.

SERICULTURE & WEAVING

The focus in this sector is on generation
of self-employment to local sericulture farmers. During the current
year, 1095 hectares of individual land holdings were covered with
plantations of Eri, Muga and Mulberry.

During the current year, production of Eri and mulberry Silk cocoons
has increased to 4.86 lakhs Kgs while Muga cocoons recorded a yield of
384.30 lakh. 2051 sericulture Farmers, Spinners and Reelers were trained
along with 670 Handloom Weavers.

Government will continue to take advantage of the Catalytic
Development of the Central Silk Board to increase cocoon production in
the State. The Central scheme under Handloom Sector will also continue.

MINING

Efforts will continue to replace the
destructive quarrying of mines with scientific investigation and
exploration. Eight mineral investigation programmes have been conducted
for exploration of limestone, quartz, feldspar, dolerite and clay.

The production of coal and limestone during the period April-
December, 2002 was 29.60 and 4.87 lakh tonnes respectively. Coal and
limestone production during the corresponding period ending December,
2003 were to revenue collected during the aforesaid period is Rs. 37.23
crore and 51.57 crore respectively.

The sectoral outlay during the current year is Rs. 17.60 crore as
against an amount of Rs. 0.99 crore during 1972-73.

ROADS & BRIDGES

Roads continue to receive the highest
priority of Government. At the time of its creation, the State inherited
a total road length of 2786. 68 Kms with a road density of 12 Km/100Sq.
Km. The road length has since increase to 7633 Kms and a road density of
34 Km/ 100 Sq. Km. As many as 2876 villages in the State have been
connected by roads.

The total investment made in this sector since inception of the State
is 1054.80 crore. During the current financial year, the road sector has
a revised outlay of 82.50 crore.

State Government will continue to accelerate the development of the
road network. The Jadukata Bridge at Ranikor has been completed at a
cost of Rs. 10.78 crore. The Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura State Highway is
being widened in phases. The Shillong Bye-Pass is being established.

TRANSPORT

Road transport plays a very important role
in the development of the State. Government will continue in its efforts
to free the National and State Highways of obstructions caused by
existing of a large number of Toll and check gates..

The 50 seater Indian Airlines service linking Shillong with Kolkata
was commissioned on April 3, 2003. Construction of the runway of the
12.21 crore Baljek Airport, is nearing completion. Selection of a
suitable site for construction of a helipad in Shillong is in progress.
Feasibility for setting up of the railway project at Depa is being
considered by the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The Helicopter service will
continue.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The programme for popularization of
Science and Technology will continue. Schemes like State- level and
Block -level Science and Environment Fair, National Children's Science
Congress etc have been implemented during the current year.

Technology Initiation, Demonstration, Experimentation and
Popularization programme involving the construction of a Bio-Resource
Centre are being taken up during the current year.

Preliminary works for construction of the Shillong Science Centre in
the NEHU Campus have started. The project will be funded by the National
Council for Science Museums, Kolkata.

The outlay for this sector during the current year is Rs. 0.63 crore.

TOURISM

Tourism is a catalyst for generating
employment. The involvement of private entrepreneurs in tourism -
related activities will be encouraged. During the current year, emphasis
has been given to completion of ongoing schemes to expand and improve
the tourism infrastructure.

Government will endeavour to upgrade
existing infrastructural facilities and take adequate steps to promote
the State as a tourist destination.

CIVIL SUPPLIES

The Public Distribution System is operated
through a network of Fair Price Shops. Government will take adequate
steps to streamline and strengthen the system. In line with the
commitment given by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament on February
3, 2004, the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) has been extended to cover 23
percent of the BPL families in the State against 15.33 percent earlier.

The Consumer Courts in the State will be
further strengthened. 410 cases have been disposed out of 455 cases
registered with these Courts.

AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT
COUNCILS

Government will continue to support the
Autonomous District Councils in the execution of their responsibilities.
The ongoing programme for providing grants-in-aid for civil works and
developmental activities will continue. Besides, the amount of Rs.4.39
crore under the award of the Eleventh Finance Commission, a plan outlay
of Rs.5 crore has been provided for the three District Councils during
the current year.

EDUCATION

Education will continue to receive high
priority.

While 15 Government Higher Secondary Schools, 21 Secondary Schools, 4
Public Schools and 4 colleges are under the direct management and
control of Government, 38 Higher Secondary Schools, 517 Secondary and 25
colleges in the State are supported by the Government with
grants-in-aid.

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) enjoins upon Government the need to
ensure that all children within 14 years of age are provided with free
and compulsory education. To ensure effective functioning of this scheme
at the grassroot level, 39 Block Resource Centres, 184 Cluster Resource
Centres and Village Education Committees in all the Villages have been
formed during the year. 667 LP Schools have been provided grants-in-aid
for teachers' salary. 32 LP Schools have been upgraded to Upper Primary
School level. 570 elementary school teachers have been trained during
2003-2004 in different institutes of the State. Repair of 2888 Lower
Primary Schools and construction of 772 toilets and 5 The Midday Meal
scheme will continue to be implemented in all Government and
Government-Aided LP Schools.

The total Literacy Campaign and the Post Literacy Project will be
revived. Existing Grant-in-aid to the non Gover5nment institutions will
continue. Science education will continue to be strengthened. The State
will continue to sponsor students for various technical courses.
Government will continue to augment Technical Education. Two new
Polytechnics at Jowai and Tura are being set up with World Bank
Assistance. Polytechnic classes have been started at Tura and Jowai in
temporary accommodation pending completion of construction of the
Polytechnic buildings.

ARTS & CULTURE

Preservation, documentation, research,
promotion and development of the rich cultural heritage of the State is
the responsibility of this sector. Accordingly, the approach to the
Tenth Plan lays emphasis on building up the basic infrastructure for
promotion and preservation of cultural heritage and art forms spreading
out these activities to encourage modern creative streams and
literature.

Work on the State Cultural Complex at Brookside, Rilbong is nearly
complete. Computerisation of the State Central Library and the District
Libraries of Jowai, Nongstoin, Tura and Williamnagar is in progress. the
scheme for digitization of Museum objects at the Williamnagar Sangma
Museum is making commendable progress and the scheme for Heritage
protection ids being implemented under the Eleventh Finance Commission
Award.

SPORTS & YOUTH AFFAIRS

While 35 Sports Infrastructure projects
were completed during the Ninth Plan, 12 such projects were completed
during 2002-2003. Construction works for 14 ongoing projects are
expected to be completed during the current year.

Government acknowledges the laurels earned by promising Sportspersons
of the State in National and International fora. Government will make
sincere attempts to create enabling infrastructure for adequate
development of Sports in the State

Government have embarked upon a number of schemes for upliftment
Sports activities in the State. These include resumption of works on the
Jawaharlal Nehru Complex, Shillong and the setting up of a Sports Centre
of Excellence.

HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

Government stands committed to provide and
strengthen health care services for the welfare of the State and its
people particularly in the rural areas. Though there have been a marked
improvement in terms of investment, infrastructure, manpower management
etc, a considerable area of concern is the inadequate availability of
specialised manpower, skill-upgradation, diagnostics and preventive
measures.

The upgradation of the Shillong Civil Hospital to a 600 bedded
Hospital and Tura Hospital to a 200 bedded Hospital is in good progress.

The construction of the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and
Neurological Sciences (MIMHANS) is likely to be completed by the end of
the current year. The Trauma Centre at the Civil Hospital Shillong is
now operational.

Focus on National Health Programmes with emphasis and intensification
on Malaria, Blindness, AIDS Control and T.B. is being made through wide
public Health Awareness campaign and Health Education. A full - fledged
Cancer Detection Centre will be set up in the State.

WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION

Government will continue to endeavour to
provide at least one source of drinking water supply to the habitations
in the State. The total investment made in this sector since the
inception of the State is Rs.410 crore. Under the sanitation programmes,
a total of 21,221 and 250 sanitary units were installed in individual
households and Schools, respectively.

184 non-covered and 196
partially covered habitations along with 100 rural schools will be
covered with safe drinking water during the current year.

Under the Prime Minister's special programme, installation of 506 hand pumps, revival of 506 traditional
water sources and provision of water supply to 648 Primary Schools are
being taken up. 90 percent of the cost will be borne by the Government
of India and 10 percent by the beneficiaries concerned.

Work on the dam of the Greater Shillong
Water Supply Scheme (G. S. W. S. S.) has been completed. The Water
Distribution Network under this scheme is expected to be completed in
all respects by September, 2004. The augmentation scheme for Baghmara
town under Central sector Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (A.
U. W. S. P.) has been started. An augmentation scheme for Cherrapunjee
town and the nearby rural habitations has been taken up during the
current year.

Measures for meeting the water scarcity of
Shillong Town during the dry months of April to June have been taken up
as a short term measure to meet the water shortage till the Shillong
Water Distribution Network is completed.

The total outlay for this sector during
the current year is Rs.37.88 crore.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Government's efforts towards planned
development of all urban areas in the State will continue. To this end,
emphasis has been given to the provision of adequate civic
infrastructure for improved quality of urban life.

Construction of the Parking cum Shopping
Complex near the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Complex is
likely to be completed during the current financial year.

The Parking cum Shopping Complex at Police Bazar, Shillong has been commissioned. Constructed at a cost of Rs.7
crore, this Complex has a capacity for parking of 215 light vehicles.

The Special Urban Works Programme which,
like the S. R. W. P. in rural areas, is implemented with the direct
involvement of the beneficiary community will continue.

The approved outlay during the current
year is Rs.23.30 crore.

CHIEF MINISTER'S SPECIAL
URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

The fund has been created for funding
schemes of critical public importance which are identified by the Chief
Minister in consultation with public representatives.

The schemes which are implemented through
the Municipal Board do not have any provision for individual
beneficiaries.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC
RELATIONS

The programmes under this sector involve
dissemination of information to create public awareness about the
various government departmental programmes.

A Documentary film has been produced and
an official website of the State has been launched during the current
year. Other programmes include participation in Trade Fairs at the State
and National level and bringing out of Government publications.

LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

The total number of job seekers registered
upto September, 2003 is 10,434. Of the 36,263 job seekers in the Live
Register, 45 were placed in employment during the year.

Major programmes under this sector include
the welfare of Women, Children Physically Handicapped, Juvenile
Delinquents and the Aged and Infirm.

Vocational training and scholarships to 46
and 1106 physically handicapped and financial assistance to 83 aged and
destitute persons were given during the current year. 2,29,639 rural and
10,580 urban beneficiaries have been covered under the Supplementary
Nutrition programme.

The 32 ICDS Projects in the State are
functioning through a network of 2218 Anganwadi Centres.

Three Childrens' Homes have been
established under the Juvenile Justice Act at Shillong and Tura. The
three centres for self-employment of Women at Shillong, Tura and Jowai
will continue to impart annual training to 105 women stipendiaries in
weaving, tailoring and embroidery.

The project for "Development of
Nutrition Surveillance System" which is being implemented in
collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad will
continue.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The Meghalaya House at Vellore is expected
to be made fully functional within the current year. The Yojana Bhavan
and the Multiple Complex Administrative Building at Lower Lachumiere are
expected to be completed.

Government has decided to construct the
second Meghalaya House on the land allotted by Government of India at
Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. The flats for residential quarters at Dwarka,
New Delhi will soon be taken over. Government will develop the land at
Hengrabari, Guwahati allotted by the Government of Assam for
construction of a new Meghalaya House.

BUDGET ACTUALS 2002 - 2003

The year 2002 - 02 opened with a deficit
of Rs.10.22 crore. While the total receipts during the year including
receipts under Public Accounts amounted to Rs.11,167.74 crore, the
corresponding expenditure was Rs.11,162.38 crore resulting in a closing
deficit of Rs.4.86 crore.

REVISED ESTIMATES 2003 - 04

The revised estimates for the current year
reflects an opening deficit of Rs.4.86 crore. While the estimated
receipts during the year including receipts under Public Accounts is
likely to be Rs.14,428.04 crore, the corresponding expenditure is
expected to reach Rs.14434.32 crore resulting in an anticipated closing
deficit of Rs.11.14 crore. However, the fiscal reform measures which are
being implemented are likely to significantly improve the position.

BUDGET ESTIMATES 2004 - 05

As stated earlier, the estimates for 2004
- 2005 have been kept at the same level as the revised estimates, 2003 -
2004. The estimates provide for an opening deficit of Rs.11.14 crore, a
total receipt of Rs.14.428.04 crore and an expenditure of Rs.14.434.32
crore resulting in a closing deficit of Rs.17.42 crore.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the circumstances which
necessitated this Interim Budget for 2004 - 2005 have already been
stated. I am sure that the Interim Budget proposals will receive the
fullest support of this august House, till such time that I am in a
position to present a regular budget for the year 2004 - 2005 during the
re-assembled budget session.

With these words, I commend the Interim
Budget proposals for consideration of this august House.